ABOUT PHIL ACKERLY

Born and raised in Palo Alto, CA, Phil graduated with a degree in Electronics at Foothill College and San Jose State University. He then went out in the real world working in manufacturing and engineering positions in the ''high-tech'' industry, including Beckman Instruments in Palo Alto. On the side, Phil was performing his magic at birthday parties and company events. Phil was hired as the weekend magician and demonstrator at the House of Humor on El Camino Real at San Antonio Road in Los Altos, CA from 1972-1978.  Phil's many peformances helped him to capture first place awards for his creativity and showmanship from leading magic organizations.

"I developed a Japanese Magic act and a Money Act that was quite unique at the time", recalls Phil. Ackerly's biggest thrill was performing at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA. "Performing at the Castle was a real honor, and an experience I will always remember", says Phil humbly.

But, in 1992, Phil received his lay-off notice from Fujitsu Microelectronics where he worked for eight years in product marketing. So what does one do at that point? Well, Phil followed his passion and pursued a magic career. "I went from a job in sales and marketing to a career in magic — it's was a lateral move", Phil says with a grin. 

Today, Phil's busy schedule has him performing over 250 shows every year, from corporate events to private parties. He has appeared at Comdex, Networld+Interop and many other trade shows, He has performed in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, on radio and television. "When I perform it's really magic. I can walk into someone's home as a stranger, and after my performance, it's like I'm part of the family. I have the crowd in the palm of my hands." says Ackerly.

1st Place, Close-up – Pacific Coast Association of Magicians (PCAM), 1991

2nd Place, Showmanship – PCAM, 1991

2nd Place, Stage – Oakland Magic Circle, 1991

1st Place, Close-up – Mystic, 1990

1st Place, Humorous Speech – Toastmasters, 1990

2nd Place, Stage – Oakland Magic Circle, 1988

1st Place, Stage – Society of American Magicians, 1985

And for the 3rd year, Phil has been voted BAY AREA'S "BEST PARTY ENTERTAINER" by Bay Area Parent Magazine (2008, 2009 and 2011)

Other Event Services Include:

• Event Consultation
• Theme Props and Decor
• Awesome Balloon Decorations

Entertainment Procurement and Contracting

• Jazz, Rock 'n' Roll, Big Band
• Contemporary Musicians
• Magicians, Jugglers, Ventriloquists, Clowns
• Face Painting, Arts and Crafts, Balloon Artists
• Comedians, Comedy Stage Shows
• Children's Entertainers
• Special Holiday Stage Shows
• Costume Characters
• Cartoon Artists
• Disc Jockey's, Karaoke VJ's
• Solo Piano Players, Guitarists, Percussionists
• Vocalists, Duos, Trios, etc.